Active Ageing is an important concept when discussing old age theories and issues nowadays, and it is the go-to concept for many policy makers and professionals when working with older adults.
What is active ageing?
Basically, Active Ageing is all about empowerment and promotion of independence in old age. It is extremely known that many older adults have a close connection with their own homes, their communities and their environments. These provide a sense of safety and familiarity for the older adult. So basically, Active Ageing promotes the concept of staying at home; and encourages older adults to remain in control of their own lives for as long as it is possible to do so.
‘Society for All Ages’
The way demographic trends are moving globally and in Malta, policy makers and governments around the world are working towards promoting a ‘Society for All Ages’ – which fosters a culture of dignity, respect, being autonomous and self-fulfillment for older adults at all times. This means that through the concept for Active Ageing, older adults are empowered and are provided with opportunities that they would not have otherwise had just because of their age.
How does Active Ageing work?
The answer is simple – delivering a number of services that support older adults to remain in their communities and in their homes. These services include:
Healthcare services
- Community clinical services (Geriatricians, Psychogeriatricians, Psychotherapy, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Dietitians, Domiciliary Caring)
- Carers at Home
- Active Ageing Centres
- Dementia Activity Services
- Respite at Home
- Residential Respite
- Social Work
- Meals on Wheels
- Night Shelter
- Silver T Service (transport)
- Telecare
- Handyman Services
Those listed above are only some of the services that are offered by the Active Ageing and Community Care Department in Malta. As you can see, one has a variety of options that allow the continued promotion of autonomy, allowing older adults to continue to live as independently as possible.
The message is that help is available. Reach out and ask for help if you need it. Solutions are not as far away as you think they may be!
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.
Yaser Teebi works as a Clinical Psychology Practitioner at Willingness, and works with clients with complex issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, grief and cognitive impairment. Yaser Teebi has graduated from the following degrees with Merit: Bachelor of Psychology (Hons), a Master of Gerontology and Geriatrics , and a Master of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, all at the University of Malta. He is currently reading for a PhD in Clinical Psychology and Geriatrics at the University of Birmingham.